Fe Content Research Articles

Examining the Effect of Agrochemicals on Soil Microbiological Activity, Micronutrient Availability, and Uptake by Maize (Zea mays L.) Plants

Agricultural practices profoundly influence soil microbial populations and physicochemical properties, vital for crop growth and quality. This study aims to explore the impact of diverse agrochemical applications on soil microbial dynamics, physicochemical properties, and maize yield and proximate properties. Topsoil samples, collected at depths of 1 to 15 cm, were transported to Jimma University for maize cultivation. Over 120 days, soil and maize samples were collected at specified intervals for analysis, including soil pH, microbial populations, and nutrient content. Statistical analysis using one-way ANOVA (p < 0.05) was conducted. Soil bacterial and fungal populations were measured on days 5, 10, 20, 40, 80, and 120. The highest total mesophilic bacterial count (TMBC) was in compost-treated pots (G) and the lowest in those receiving macronutrient fertilizers and glyphosates (B). The highest total mesophilic fungal count (TMFC) was in pots with glyphosates and compost (F), and the lowest was in pots treated with macronutrient fertilizers and glyphosates (B). Pots treated with macronutrient fertilizers and glyphosates (B), macronutrient fertilizers (A), and micronutrient fertilizers (C) showed the lowest Fe and Zn levels. Maize in pots treated with macronutrient fertilizer combined with glyphosate (B) exhibited the lowest protein, fats, and carbohydrates. Notably, compost-treated soils showed the highest bacterial and fungal counts, Fe, and Zn concentrations, while micro-mineral fertilizer combined with glyphosate (B) depleted the soil. Agrochemical treatments negatively affected maize yield quality, indicating complex treatment-related changes in soil parameters.

Effects of liver’s state of health on its iron and plutonium content

Purpose Plutonium and iron share a common metabolism in terms of their transportation and accumulation in the human body. This study examined their concentrations in livers with different states of health, and the effects of fatty degeneration and cirrhosis on their accumulation in the liver. Materials and methods We determined the concentrations of plutonium and iron in autopsy liver samples from 1976–1979. Using statistical analysis, we investigated the relationships between the different variables. Results and conclusions The burdens of 239,240Pu and Fe correlated positively (Rs = 0.411) in the healthy livers, but not in the livers that had pathological findings. In contrast to the Fe content, the 239,240Pu content in the fatty degenerated or cirrhotic livers was significantly lower than that in normal livers. This difference may suggest that plutonium and iron do not accumulate or are not excreted in the same way in fatty degenerated and cirrhotic livers. The reaction mechanisms for the binding and excretion of plutonium, particularly in a fatty degenerated liver, are not yet fully known.

Source and fate of atmospheric iron supplied to the subarctic North Pacific traced by stable iron isotope ratios

The availability of dissolved iron (Fe) limits primary production over some regions of the surface ocean, especially in regions such as the subarctic North Pacific. In this work, we use Fe stable isotope ratios (δ56Fe) in bulk and size-fractionated marine aerosol particles and dissolved Fe of surface seawater in the subarctic North Pacific on Japanese GEOTRACES cruise GP02 (Summer 2017) as a tracer to clarify the relative contribution of combustion and natural Fe in both marine aerosol particles and surface seawater. The bulk aerosols collected in the coastal regions of both East Asia and western North Pacific have total δ56Fe values that are as low as −0.5 ‰ when compared to crustal (+0.1 ‰), with both the water-soluble phase and the fine particles even more fractionated (as low as −1.9 and −2.8 ‰, respectively). The negative correlation between the aerosol δ56Fe signatures and the enrichment factors of Fe and other elements dominated by anthropogenic sources (e.g., lead and cadmium) in these coastal regions indicates the presence of Fe emitted from high-temperature combustion sources, such as coal combustion and metal smelting. In these regions, combustion Fe accounts for 4–13 and 13–45 % of the total and water-soluble aerosol Fe, respectively. The results demonstrate that soluble aerosol Fe sourced from combustion Fe can be equivalent to that sourced from natural dust Fe in these coastal regions. By contrast, the aerosol particles in pelagic regions were near crustal δ56Fe in all particle size fractions, indicating the dominance of natural Fe and little to no combustion Fe. The relationships among the fractional Fe solubility, major ion concentration, Fe species, and δ56Fe indicate that the presence of combustion Fe is the dominant reason for the solubility increase in the coastal regions and that the atmospheric processing of mineral dust during transport is more important in the pelagic regions. The dissolved Fe of the surface seawater at 10 m depth had a consistently higher δ56Fe by up to +1.5 ‰ than that of the simultaneously collected water-soluble aerosol Fe. The pattern of the elevated δ56Fe in the surface seawater corresponds to decreasing Fe concentrations and can be approximated by Rayleigh fractionation; we attribute these elevated surface δ56Fe values to the effect of biological uptake. New Fe fluxes from both the atmosphere and deeper depths are limited at least in summer compared with the biological uptake in the open ocean of the subarctic North Pacific.

Effect of dietary iron (Fe) supplementation on growth performance, hematological parameters and anti-oxidant responses of coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum, 1792) post-smolts

Effects of graded dietary iron (Fe) levels on coho salmon Oncorhynchus kisutch (Walbaum, 1792) post-smolts were assessed by determining the growth performance, Fe deposited in tissue, liver and serum antioxidant and immunity responses. Six experimental diets containing graded Fe (FeSO4·7 H2O as a Fe source) levels of 23.70, 42.40, 63.80, 89.30, 102.70 and 125.70 mg/kg were made and fed to three replicate groups of fish. A total 180 coho salmon post-smolts (188.28 ± 0.40 g) were randomly distributed to 18 floating cages (water volume 1000-L) with a flow-through system for 10 weeks, and fed three times daily until satiation. The results showed that the final body weight (FBW) and specific growth rate (SGR) were increased (p < 0.05) with increasing Fe content (from 23.70 to 89.30 mg/kg) in the diet, and significantly decreased (p < 0.05) in these traits were recorded when dietary Fe supplementation was further increased (from 89.30 to 125.70 mg/kg). However, feed conversion ratio (FCR) showed the opposite trend. Survival rate, morphological indices, and body proximate compositions did not differ significantly among the groups (p > 0.05). Nevertheless, the Fe contents in the whole body and muscle exhibited a steady rise (linear, p < 0.05), meanwhile, the liver Fe content significantly increased with increasing dietary Fe levels (linear and quadratic, p < 0.05). Increasing dietary Fe levels increased (p < 0.05) the hemoglobin (Hb), erythrocyte counts and hematocrit. In serum, lysozyme activity was significantly increased in 89.30 mg/kg diets ( p < 0.05). There was a significant increase in liver and serum superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities in response to the Fe levels in the diet, whereas a significant quadratic decrease in malondialdehyde levels (p < 0.05). Quadratic regression analysis of SGR and FCR against dietary Fe levels indicated that the optimal dietary Fe requirements were estimated to be 100.00 mg/kg and 104.17 mg/kg. Broken-line model analyses of the hepatic Fe content and SOD activity, the Hb content in the blood, and serum SOD activity against dietary Fe levels indicated that the optimal dietary Fe levels are 85.01, 87.53, 87.04, 91.23 mg/kg in Oncorhynchus kisutch post-smolts, respectively.

Predicting Abiotic TCE Transformation Rate Constants—A Bayesian Hierarchical Approach

AbstractFe(II) minerals can mediate the abiotic reduction of trichloroethylene (TCE), a widespread groundwater contaminant. If reaction rates are sufficiently fast for natural attenuation, the process holds potential for mitigating TCE pollution in groundwater. To assess the variability of abiotic TCE reduction rate constants, we collected pseudo‐first‐order rate constants for natural sediments and rocks from the literature, as well as intrinsic (surface‐area‐normalized) rate constants of individual minerals. Using a Bayesian hierarchical modeling approach, we were able to differentiate the contributions of natural variability and experimental error to the total variance. Applying the model, we also predicted rate constants at new sites, revealing a considerable uncertainty of several orders of magnitude. We investigated whether incorporating additional information about sediment composition could reduce this uncertainty. We tested two sets of predictors: reactive mineral content (measured by X‐ray diffraction) combined with surface areas and intrinsic rate constants, or the extractable Fe(II) content. Knowledge of the mineral composition only marginally reduced the uncertainty of predicted rate constants. We attribute the low information gain to the inability to measure the (reactive) surface areas of individual minerals in sediments or rocks, which are subject to environmental factors like aqueous geochemistry and redox potential. In contrast, knowing the Fe(II) content reduced the uncertainty about the first‐order rate constant by nearly two orders of magnitude, because the relationship between Fe(II) content and rate constants is approximately log–log‐linear. We demonstrate how our approach provides estimates for the range of cleanup times for a simple example of diffusion‐controlled transport in a contaminated aquitard.

Release of elements and phenolic and flavonoid compounds from herbs and spices into acacia honey during infusion

AbstractAcacia honey was infused with basil, oregano, marjoram, dill, garlic or cinnamon at infusion rates of 0–5% by mass for a 6 months period. After removal of the infusates, macro and micro element concentrations were measured by Inductively Coupled Plasma Optical Emission Spectrometry. Total phenolic and flavonoid contents were determined spectroscopically. The greatest release of elements, phenols and flavonoids, (% release/1% infusion rate) were for phenols (1.22–3.74, respectively), flavonoids (0.12–2.18), K (0.39–0.78), P (0.14–0.87), and S (0.07–0.85). The least release was for Ba (0.04–0.17), Fe (0.03–0.41) and B (− 0.006 to 2.33). Dill showed the most important effect on the Na concentration of honey enriched (at 5.00%) with &gt; 90 times higher content (328 ± 4 mg/kg) compared to control honey (3.46 ± 0.07 mg/kg). Sr content was more than 50 times higher in honey enriched with marjoram (1383 ± 10 µg/kg), and honey enriched with dill showed more than 30 times higher Fe content (4112 ± 14 µg/kg). Enrichment with dill had the greatest effect on Ca, Cu, K, Mg, Na and Fe content of control honey, and garlic had the most important effect on the B, P, S, Zn, TP and TF content. Enrichment with these herbs and spices resulted in increases in element, total phenolic and flavonoid content of acacia honey.

Fruit Quality Analysis and Flavor Comprehensive Evaluation of Cherry Tomatoes of Different Colors.

Cherry tomatoes are popular vegetables worldwide owing to their variety of colors and nutrients. However, an integrated evaluation of color and flavor has rarely been reported. This study examined the differences among red, brown, yellow, and green cherry tomatoes grown in the Jiuquan area. A comprehensive analysis of the flavor quality of these tomatoes, including sensory evaluation, electronic nose analysis, nutritional and flavor quality measurements, targeted metabolomics, and chemometrics, was conducted. Red tomatoes had the highest lycopene content, and green tomatoes had the highest soluble protein and vitamin C content. In cherry tomatoes, K is the most abundant macro element and Fe and Zn are the most abundant trace elements. Brown cherry tomatoes had significantly higher K, P, Mg, Cu and Fe contents than other colored tomatoes, and red tomatoes had significantly higher Zn content than other cherry tomatoes (218.8-724.3%). Yellow cherry tomatoes had the highest soluble sugar content, followed by red, brown and green tomatoes. A total of 20 amino acids of tomatoes were simultaneously determined by LC-MS. Yellow cherry tomatoes have the highest content of essential amino acids, aromatic amino acids and sweetness amino acids. Red tomatoes have the highest levels of non-essential and sourness amino acid contents. An analysis of 30 flavor indicators revealed that yellow tomatoes had the best flavor, followed by red, brown, and green tomatoes. Our work lays the foundation for future research on color and flavor formation in cherry tomatoes.

Fermentation and sauteing enhances the physicochemical properties, carotenoids and the antioxidant activity of some food vegetables

Vegetables are important sources of protective foods for maintenance of health and prevention of diseases. However, the nutrients and bioactive potentials of some processed ethnic vegetables have not been fully exploited. The present work evaluates the proximate content, minerals, vitamins, functional, carotenoids, antioxidant activity and retention percentage of nutrient in raw and processed fluted pumpkin (FPL) and garden egg (GEL) leaves consumed in Nigeria. The results showed that moisture (13.67 %), ash (20.10 %) and Fe (18.82 mg/100 g) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in GEL, while fat (16.31 %), protein (8.92 %), fibre (16.02 %) and Zn (9.76 mg/100 g) were significantly (p < 0.05) higher in FPL. Shade-dried FPL and GEL showed abundance of protein, Fe and Zn content, whereas ash and Mg were abundant in fermented vegetables, and fat and fibre were abundant in sauteed vegetables. Fermentation revealed the highest vitamins C and B9 content whereas sauteing obtained greater vitamins A and E content. Total flavonoids, total phenolic, DPPH and FRAP content were increased as a result of fermentation and sauteing in both vegetables. Results revealed that total carotene, 9-cis-β-carotene and 13-cis-β-carotene were increased by fermentation, whereas trans-β-carotene and α-carotene showed losses due to fermentation and sauteing. Furthermore, fermentation retained greater percentage of total carotenoids, vitamin C and total flavonoids, whereas sauteing retained greater percentage of Fe, Zn and total phenolic in both vegetables. Overall, fermentation and sauteing highlights the use of these vegetables to improve nutrition, sustain health and evaluates the effect of processing methods on nutrient quality.

Carbon monoxide-releasing Vehicle CO@TPyP-FeMOFs modulating macrophages phenotype in inflammatory wound healing

Healing of chronic wounds has been critically limited by prolonged inflammation. Carbon monoxide (CO) is a biologically active molecule with high potential based on its efficacy in modulating inflammation, promoting wound healing and tissue remodeling. Strategies to use CO as a gaseous drug to chronic wounds have emerged, but controlling the sustained release of CO at the wound site remains a major challenge. In this work, a porphyrin-Fe based metal organic frameworks, TPyP-FeMOFs was prepared. The synthesized TPyP-FeMOFs was high-temperature vacuum activated (AcTPyP-FeMOFs) and AcTPyP-FeMOFs had a relatively high Fe (II) content. CO sorption isotherms showed that AcTPyP-FeMOFs chemisorbed CO and thus CO release was sustained and prolonged. In vitro evaluation results showed that CO@TPyP-FeMOFs reduced the inflammatory level of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) activated macrophages, polarized macrophages to M2 anti-inflammatory phenotype, and promoted the proliferation of fibroblasts by altering the pathological microenvironment. In vivo study confirmed CO@TPyP-FeMOFs promoted healing in a LPS model of delayed cutaneous wound repair and reduced macrophages and neutrophils recruitment. Both in vitro and in vivo studies verified that CO@TPyP-FeMOFs acted on macrophages by modulating phenotype and inflammatory factor expression. Thus, CO release targeting macrophages and pathological microenvironment modulation presented a promising strategy for wound healing.

Surface active sites enriched CoNiFe-Manganite: An effective electrode for high-performance supercapacitors

The electrochemical performance of ternary metal oxide electrodes exhibiting faradic battery-type characteristics, represents a promising and desirable solution for addressing the ongoing energy crisis. In the current investigation, we present the optimized solution-combustion synthesis of Co0.03Ni0.97FeγMn2-γO4 nanoparticles, with varying Fe concentrations (γ=0.01, 0.05, 0.10 %), specifically tailored for application in supercapacitors. The Styrofoam-natured (CNMFO:1) exhibited outstanding specific capacitance, reaching 489.12 Fg−1 at a scan rate of 50 mVs−1. Moreover, validation through galvanostatic charge-discharge (GCD) investigations substantiated a notable specific capacitance of 391.41 Fg−1, achieved at a current density of 1Ag−1. In addition, the CNMFO:1 electrode demonstrated remarkable cyclic stability, retaining 83.87 % of its initial performance over 6000 cycles. Similarly, the fabricated asymmetric device of (CNMFO:1||AC) also demonstrated a maximum specific capacitance of 33.86 Fg−1 under a current density of 1Ag−1, which exhibits good energy and power density of 10.52 Wh Kg−1 and 749.34 W Kg−1 respectively. From the overall observation, the CNMFO:1 electrode exhibited notable cyclic stability and electrochemical reversibility. This research recommends that CNMFO:1 nanocomposite have an extraordinary potential for evolution of active electrode materials forthcoming supercapacitors in energy storage system.

Iron nutritional efficiency, cycling and export in oil palm cultivated at different ages

Iron (Fe) plays a fundamental role in the nutrition of plants, yet its role in oil palm remains understudied. This study aims to unlock the role of Fe by analyzing its cycling and export different stages of oil palm tree growth. The experiment was conducted in Thailand, Pará State (Brazil), in a dystrophic Yellow Ferralsol, in a split-block, with four replications and seven treatments (plant age; 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8). The concentration, accumulation, recycling, immobilization, and export of Fe were evaluated, in addition to Fe use efficiency, in all plant organs. Analysis of variance (p < 0.05) was carried out on the results and regression model adjustments. The concentration and accumulation of Fe in the stem was greatest at the eighth year of the plants, and the fruit had higher Fe export values in the eighth year of the oil palm as well. As plants aged, the Fe concentration, accumulation, export, and use efficiency increased. Oil palm accumulates and immobilizes more Fe in its organs than it exports, a fact that contributes to the cycling and nutrition of the Fe in the plant. This research paves the way for future studies to explore how Fe can be optimized in oil palm trees to unlock their full potential.

Modeling the geochemical evolution of mine waters during mixing

This study focuses on assessing the hydrogeochemical processes influencing the mobility of dissolved metal and metalloid species during mine effluent mixing. Field samples were collected to characterize effluents at an active gold mine located in the Abitibi Greenstone belt in western Québec, Canada. Controlled laboratory mixing experiments were further performed with real effluents. In situ physicochemical parameters, concentrations of major dissolved ions and trace elements were analyzed. Mineralogical analyses were also performed on precipitates from the laboratory mixtures. The data were used for statistical analyses and for modeling the geochemical evolution of effluents using PHREEQC with the wateq4f.dat database (with modifications). The results suggest that the formation of secondary minerals such as schwertmannite, Fe(OH)3, and jarosite could significantly affect the concentrations of trace elements in effluents. The precipitation of secondary minerals immobilized trace elements through coprecipitation and sorption processes. The main limitations of the modeling approach used here include the evaluation of the ion balance for low pH samples with high Fe and Al concentrations and the omission of biological processes. The approach provides insights into the geochemical evolution of mine effluents and could be adapted to several mining sites as a tool for improving water management.

Assessing the Health of South Kalimantan Coastal Swamp Wetlands using Measurements of Heavy Metals in Commercial Fish Species

Heavy metals pollution damages coastal swamp ecosystems. This study’s primary purpose was to determine the amounts of heavy metals in coastal swamp waters and the tissues of three fish species (Mugil cephalus, Arius sagor and Plotosus lineatus). This study determined that the water in the coastal swamps of South Kalimantan was contaminated with heavy metals in the following order: Fe &gt; Cu &gt; Zn &gt; Cr &gt; Pb &gt; Cd &gt; Hg. The heavy metal concentrations found in the three commercial fish species are as follows: Fe &gt; Zn &gt; Cu &gt; Cr &gt; Pb &gt; Cd &gt; Hg. The bioaccumulation of heavy metals was highest in Mugil cephalus, followed by Arius sagor and Plotosus lineatus. The Fe, Cu and Cr concentrations in Mugil cephalus, Arius sagor and Plotosus lineatus exceeded the international and national MPLs. The liver tissue has the highest capacity to bioaccumulate heavy metals. Regular monitoring of these metals in fish and water sources is recommended to ensure the safety and conservation of coastal swamp wetlands.

Soil development trajectories, chemical weathering and pedogenic mineral (trans)formation on glauconitic calcarenites in a Mediterranean area

Glauconite forms in shallow marine basins under oxic to suboxic conditions. It is an Fe-rich sheet silicate often found in calcareous sandstones. How soils evolve on glauconitic sandstones (calcarenite) is poorly addressed: therefore, we investigated the evolutional trajectories. These soils should be enriched in Fe, depleted in K and contain kaolinite and smectite resulting from weathering. We investigated 11 soil profiles on glauconitic calcarenite in a Mediterranean area. The elemental contents, fractions of Fe and Al, soil mineralogy, magnetic susceptibility and stable isotopic composition (C, O) of the bulk soil and carbonates were analysed to explore pedogenesis.The carbonates reflect a former marine basin having onshore organic matter resulting from freshwater input. With soil formation, the primary carbonates were replaced by pedogenic carbonates having a lower δ13C and δ18O signal. Several sites were influenced by human activity since ancient times, reflected by the magnetic susceptibility. The shallow soils had a low weathering degree (CIA of 55 to 70). The better developed Vertisols exhibited a CIA value of up to 85. All soils contained smectite and quartz and, depending on the weathering degree, calcite. Kaolinite formation was connected to high Ca, K, Mg and Na losses. The high oxalate- and dithionite-extractable Fe contents are explained by glauconite weathering. Kaolinite is inherited from the parent material but also actively forms in the soils probably through precipitation from soil water. Due to the presence of smectite and oxyhydroxides the soils sequester a high amount of soil organic carbon (up to 30 kg/m2). Topography exerts a distinct influence on weathering and soil formation. Deepest soils and an advanced weathering stage were measured on footslope sites and shallow soils having a low weathering degree on crest/shoulder sites. Soils on glauconitic calcarenite represent a unique weathering environment that should be investigated even more at the micro-scale.

Probing Iceland's dust-emitting sediments: particle size distribution, mineralogy, cohesion, Fe mode of occurrence, and reflectance spectra signatures

Abstract. Characterising the physico-chemical properties of dust-emitting sediments in arid regions is fundamental to understanding the effects of dust on climate and ecosystems. However, knowledge regarding high-latitude dust (HLD) remains limited. This study focuses on analysing the particle size distribution (PSD), mineralogy, cohesion, iron (Fe) mode of occurrence, and visible–near infrared (VNIR) reflectance spectra of dust-emitting sediments from dust hotspots in Iceland (HLD region). Extensive analysis was conducted on samples of top sediments, sediments, and aeolian ripples collected from seven dust sources, with particular emphasis on the Jökulsá basin, encompassing the desert of Dyngjunsandur. Both fully and minimally dispersed PSDs and their respective mass median particle diameters revealed remarkable similarities (56 ± 69 and 55 ± 62 µm, respectively). Mineralogical analyses indicated the prevalence of amorphous phases (68 ± 26 %), feldspars (17 ± 13 %), and pyroxenes (9.3 ± 7.2 %), consistent with thorough analyses of VNIR reflectance spectra. The Fe content reached 9.5 ± 0.40 wt %, predominantly within silicate structures (80 ± 6.3 %), complemented by magnetite (16 ± 5.5 %), hematite/goethite (4.5 ± 2.7 %), and readily exchangeable Fe ions or Fe nano-oxides (1.6 ± 0.63 %). Icelandic top sediments exhibited coarser PSDs compared to the high dust-emitting crusts from mid-latitude arid regions, distinctive mineralogy, and a 3-fold bulk Fe content, with a significant presence of magnetite. The congruence between fully and minimally dispersed PSDs underscores reduced particle aggregation and cohesion of Icelandic top sediments, suggesting that aerodynamic entrainment of dust could also play a role upon emission in this region, alongside saltation bombardment. The extensive analysis in Dyngjusandur enabled the development of a conceptual model to encapsulate Iceland's rapidly evolving high dust-emitting environments.

Evidence of half-metallicity and multiferroic characters of tetragonal BaTi0.875Fe0.125O3: DFT-based calculation

In this paper, we discuss significant results obtained in both electronic and magnetic properties when the insulator, non magnetic but ferroelectric tetragonal oxyde perovskite BaTiO3 is modified by the substitution of an iron atom among 8 Ti atoms so that Fe content x = 0.125; our new material is BaTi0.875Fe0.125O3, hereafter referred to as TBTFO. Explicetely, we will use density functional theory (DFT) to show that tetragonal BaTi0.875Fe0.125O3 acquires a half-metal ferromagnetic character, with a net integer magnetic moment of 4.0 μB, along with an intrinsic polarization although reduced by 39 % when compared to the host material BaTiO3. This is an important result since the new material is presenting both ferroelectricity and ferromagnetism, i.e. multiferroelectricity. So it belongs to a very limted class of materials called multiferroics and giving up to a precious material suitable for opening up the application field of spintronics.

Role of silicon in alleviating boron toxicity and enhancing growth and physiological traits in hydroponically cultivated Zea mays var. Merit

BackgroundBoron (B) is a micronutrient, but excessive levels can cause phytotoxicity, impaired growth, and reduced photosynthesis. B toxicity arises from over-fertilization, high soil B levels, or irrigation with B-rich water. Conversely, silicon (Si) is recognized as an element that mitigates stress and alleviates the toxic effects of certain nutrients. In this study, to evaluate the effect of different concentrations of Si on maize under boron stress conditions, a factorial experiment based on a randomized complete block design was conducted with three replications in a hydroponic system. The experiment utilized a nutrient solution for maize var. Merit that contained three different boron (B) concentrations (0.5, 2, and 4 mg L−1) and three Si concentrations (0, 28, and 56 mg L−1).ResultsOur findings unveiled that exogenous application of B resulted in a substantial escalation of B concentration in maize leaves. Furthermore, B exposure elicited a significant diminution in fresh and dry plant biomass, chlorophyll index, chlorophyll a (Chl a), chlorophyll b (Chl b), carotenoids, and membrane stability index (MSI). As the B concentration augmented, malondialdehyde (MDA) content and catalase (CAT) enzyme activity exhibited a concomitant increment. Conversely, the supplementation of Si facilitated an amelioration in plant fresh and dry weight, total carbohydrate, and total soluble protein. Moreover, the elevated activity of antioxidant enzymes culminated in a decrement in hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) and MDA content. In addition, the combined influence of Si and B had a statistically significant impact on the leaf chlorophyll index, total chlorophyll (a + b) content, Si and B accumulation levels, as well as the enzymatic activities of guaiacol peroxidase (GPX), ascorbate peroxidase (APX), and H2O2 levels. These unique findings indicated the detrimental impact of B toxicity on various physiological and biochemical attributes of maize, while highlighting the potential of Si supplementation in mitigating the deleterious effects through modulation of antioxidant machinery and biomolecule synthesis.ConclusionsThis study highlights the potential of Si supplementation in alleviating the deleterious effects of B toxicity in maize. Increased Si consumption mitigated chlorophyll degradation under B toxicity, but it also caused a significant reduction in the concentrations of essential micronutrients iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn). While Si supplementation shows promise in counteracting B toxicity, the observed decrease in Fe, Cu, and Zn concentrations warrants further investigation to optimize this approach and maintain overall plant nutritional status.

Adequate Levels of Zinc and Copper on Turkey Poult Performance, Immunological Response, and Skeletal Health.

In this study, the impact of varying dietary zinc (Zn) and copper (Cu) levels on the growth, immunological response, and skeletal health of developing turkey poults was investigated. For 0-4 and 5-8 weeks of age, respectively, three Zn levels of 50, 70, and 90mg/kg and 45, 65, and 85mg/kg were employed. Three Cu levels, namely 8, 12, and 16mg/kg for 0-8 weeks of age, were also utilized. There were 288 (9 × 4 × 8) day-old turkey poults with equal body weight that were randomly assigned to 9 treatments, each consisting of 4 replicates and 8 poults per replicate. In comparison to other dietary combinations, there was a significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in body weight gain observed in the 90 and 85mg Zn/kg with 16mg Cu/kg diet during 0-4 and 0-8 weeks of age, respectively, and the 70 and 65mg Zn with 16mg Cu /kg diet during 0-4 and 0-8 weeks of age, respectively. When compared to low levels of zinc in the diet at 5-8 and 0-8 weeks of age, respectively, feed conversion ratio was shown to be significantly (P ≤ 0.01) better with 90 and 85mg Zn/kg diet. In a similar pattern, feed utilization efficiency was considerably (P ≤ 0.01) higher at 16mg Cu/kg diet than it was at lower Cu levels in the diets given to the animals over the 0-4 week period. Compared to other dietary combinations, there was a substantial (P ≤ 0.01) improvement in cell-mediated immune response (foot web index to PHAP) and humoral immune response (HA titer to SRBC) when 85mg zinc and 16mg copper/kg diet was consumed at 0-4 and 5-8 weeks of age. At greater dietary Zn and Cu levels than its lower values, the weight of the spleen and thymus was considerably (P ≤ 0.05) higher. In a dietary combination of 90mg Zn with 16mg Cu/kg during 0-4 and 85mg Zn with 16mg Cu/kg diet during 5-8 weeks of age, respectively, there were significantly (P ≤ 0.05) greater bone width (proximal and distal), tibia bone ash, calcium, and phosphorus detected respectively. Significantly (P ≤ 0.01) greater Zn and Fe contents were found in the tibia bone at 90 and 85mg Zn/kg diet, respectively, compared to values obtained at other Zn levels in the diet throughout 0-4 and 5-8 weeks of age. During the first 8 weeks of life, a diet containing 12mg of copper per kilogram was shown to have a significantly (P ≤ 0.05) increased Zn and Fe content in the tibia bone compared to other levels. It is possible to draw the conclusion from the data that, for growing turkey poults, dietary combinations of 90mg Zn/kg with 16mg Cu/kg diet and 85mg Zn with 16mg Cu/kg diet between 0 and 4 and 5-8 weeks of age, respectively, were sufficient for optimum development, immunity, and skeletal health indices.

Facile and economic Fe-modification of rice straw biochar for efficient removal of Cr(VI): Mechanistic insights and application in real wastewater

To achieve higher removal of Cr(VI) from wastewater by biochar, iron modification have been often considered. However, previous reports suffered from complicated preparation procedures or large consumption of iron, and thus a simpler protocol with less consumption of chemical reagent should be developed. In this study, three different Fe-modified biochars were synthesized by pyrolysis of rice straw after pre-soaking it in three different iron salt solutions (i.e. FeCl3, FeSO4 and (NH4)2Fe(SO4)2), and the performances and mechanisms in Cr(VI) elimination was examined. The Fe-BC produced by FeCl3 with the lowest pH, highest surface charge and most Fe content had the maximum adsorption capacity for Cr(VI) (21.98 mg/g). The removal mechanism revealed by detailed characterizations indicated that the pH-sensitive adsorption was the crucial and primary step followed by the Cr(VI) reduction and Cr(III) immobilization. Reductive Fe species played the main influential role for Cr(VI) reduction in Fe-BC, which could be further facilitated by the graphitic structure of the carbon matrix. The synergistic effects of the carbon matrix and Fe strengthened the Cr(VI) removal, promising the objective of high Cr(VI) removal efficiency even at low Fe dosage. The high removal capacity by Fe-BC in the electroplating wastewater proved its potential application.

Tough and conductive double-network hydrogel based on PVA/poly(ionic liquids) strengthened by metal ion complexation for flexible sensors

Hydrogels have attracted extensive attention for their promising applications as flexible sensors. Developing conductive hydrogels with excellent mechanical properties still remains a significant challenge. Herein, double-network (DN) hydrogels composed of poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) and poly(ionic liquids) (PILs) are prepared through repetitive freezing/thawing process. The hydrogels are further treated with Fe3+ ions to enhance the mechanical properties due to the complexation between carboxyl groups and Fe3+ ions. The influence of the amount of PILs and concentration of Fe3+ on mechanical properties and conductivity is investigated. The optimal DN hydrogel P(VMCA-AA)1/PVA-Fe3+ 4 shows excellent mechanical properties, whose tensile strength, elongation at break, and toughness are 2.2 MPa, 350%, and 3.5 MJ m−3, respectively. P(VMCA-AA)1/PVA-Fe3+ 4 also displays a good conductivity of 1.04 S m−1. Moreover, the hydrogel demonstrates a high sensing sensitivity with a gauge factor (GF) of 3.36, indicating its application potential as a flexible sensor.